Two second-half goals were enough for Melbourne City to record a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory in the inaugural Westfield W-League Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
The 2311 spectators in the stadium had to wait until the second half to witness City take the lead following a solid spell of possession.
City’s Racheal Quigley and Amy Jackson were involved in the build-up, which made light work of piercing the Victory rearguard. Marianna Tabain was the ultimate beneficiary, slotting the ball into the corner with the outside of her boot.
Tabain was involved once more to extend City’s advantage when the winger’s bustling run saw her make it into the area before she was clipped by Alex Natoli and awarded a penalty.
Aivi Luik stepped up to convert the resultant spot-kick and almost put the game beyond doubt.
A late goal to Whitney Knight threatened to derail City’s celebrations after her spectacular looping shot flew over Trudy Burke and into the net.
Both sides began the game feeling one another out, ensuring that both goalkeepers had very little to do.
Victory had the first chance through MelindaJ Barbieri, whose effort was heading over the line but for Tyla Jay Vlajnic’s desperate attempt to keep the ball out.
Alexandra Chidiac threatened to respond going down the other end before firing her shot beyond Melissa Barbieri’s left upright.
Enza Barilla’s pinpoint pass from the right flank went close to bringing about the opener for Victory. Laura Spiranovic met the ball cleanly but could only direct her shot into the hands of City custodian Burke.
The goals did finally come after the break, with the hosts clinching the three points.
Melbourne City 2 (Tabain 48′, Luik 72′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Knight 90+2′)
